Project Data:

Firm Name:              Lionakis

Completion Date:     8/25/2017

Square Footage:      59000

Building Use:           Middle School

Location:                 Solana Beach, CA

Project Description:

San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) provides students with nationally-recognized schools and a wealth of academic and extracurricular opportunities; however their aging facilities were struggling to support this mission. In 2012, with a long range facilities master plan complete, the District passed a $449 bond initiative that outlined a vision for sustainable and technology-rich learning environments. At Earl Warren Middle School, the existing, steep 20 acre campus, built in 1954, was in need of significant updates to not only meet the District’s vision, but also address a myriad of access compliance issues.

Replace or Renovate?
For years the District struggled with the investment that would be required to transform, or merely renovate, the aging campus. The accessibility issues alone were nearly insurmountable on the steeply sloped site. After a lengthy cost-benefit analysis, a district-wide master planning process, and bolstered by a local, general obligation bond, it was decided: The campus would be replaced (on the same site) in central Solana Beach.
Surf’s Up When the PE Department offers surfing and the kids arrive at school on a skateboard, what do you do? You embrace the beach! In response to the steeply sloped site, the physical environment is terraced: On the highest terrace sit the classrooms, reminiscent of the beach “shacks”—small, individualized and full of daylight and natural ventilation. This level, with a courtyard for outdoor learning, overlooks the “beach” terrace—where administration welcomes you, where hands-on learning (science, music and art), multi-purpose rooms (complete with surfboard storage), a food court and a joint-use library open up to a vibrant public space.

21st Century Learning Environments
Next to the joint-use library sits Warren Hall, an original 1954 building and the current multi-purpose room, has become a dynamic Student Union hub with a robust wireless network and flexible spaces for project-based learning and small group instruction. Classrooms are designed around integrated technology and flexibility, with moveable furnishings and outdoor learning opportunities.

Beach Vibe
The design is decidedly Solana Beach. Curved roofs recall ocean waves, “wood” siding maintains the beach house vibe that served as the inspiration and surfboard details show up as signage, flags and even as shapes in the concrete entry paving. The school mascot, the Seahawks, and school colors are used as accents throughout, including the beach glass on the countertops in the Administration building. The elevator is housed in the “lifeguard tower” where colored LED lighting indicates surfing conditions to the entire community.

Sustainable (of course)
In this beach town, the community environment is everything. Engaged stakeholders expect sustainable design—from photovoltaics (PVs) to natural ventilation that take advantage of the temperate climate. Outdoor learning happens everywhere: from the learning courtyards to the central stairway that acts as amphitheater seating, from an outdoor stage for impromptu performance to the open air food court with shade structures that mimic the sails of a sailboat.

C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment

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